Language of Flowers

The language of flowers, sometimes called floriography, was a Victorian-era means of communication in which various flowers and floral arrangements were used to send coded messages, allowing individuals to express feelings which otherwise could not be spoken. King Charles II brought the art to Sweden from Persia in the 17th Century. The nuances of the language are now mostly forgotten, but red roses still imply passionate, romantic love; pink roses a lesser affection; white roses still suggest virtue and chastity; and yellow roses still stand for friendship or devotion. While these may not be the exact translations of the Victorian sentiments, the flowers still speak to us.

Also commonly known meanings are sunflowers, which can mean either haughtiness or respect -- they were the favorite flower of St. Julie Billiart for this reason. The iris, being named for the messenger of the gods in Greek mythology, still represents a message being sent. A pansy means thoughts, a daffodil regard, and a string of ivy signifies fidelity.

Some of the more common examples of symbolisms on other flowers:

• Red roses are given as a symbol of love, beauty, and passion.
• Poppies are a symbol of consolation in time of death. In the UK, Australia and Canada, red poppies are worn to commemorate soldiers who have died in times of war.
• Irises/Lily are used in burials as a symbol referring to "resurrection/life". It is also associated with stars (sun) and its petals blooming/shining.
• Daisies are a symbol of innocence.

Flowers within art are also representative of the female genitalia, as seen in the works of artists such as Georgia O'Keefe, Imogen Cunningham, Veronica Ruiz de Velasco, and Judy Chicago, and in fact in oriental and western classical art.

Colour symbolism of roses

• Blue: mystery
• Burgundy: beauty
• Dark Pink: gratitude
• Light Pink: admiration, sympathy
• Orange: passion
• Pink: grace
• Red: love
• White: innocence, purity, secrecy, reverence and humility.
• Yellow: dying love or platonic love or infidelity.